Journey Lineman

Up to a $20,000 sign-on bonus is available depending on qualifications and experience, subject to certain provisions.

About the role

The primary purpose of this position is to inspect, evaluate, repair, install and maintain all classes of overhead and underground power transmission and distribution lines, and substations in a safe manner. This position may direct the work of Apprentice Linemen and is responsible for collaborating with other department employees to ensure safe and coordinated operation of the utility system. Under the direct supervision of the General Foreman, the employee works independently on assigned duties and responsibilities.

Responsibilities

• Installs, maintains and repairs primary and secondary equipment on electric transmission, distribution and substations
• Tests, maintains and installs duct line, cable, conduits, risers, circuit breakers, transformers and associated equipment, substation equipment and circuits
• Operates heavy equipment and vehicles
• Climbs poles/towers or rides in bucket attached to truck mounted boom and other overhead devices necessary to access electric lines
• Works in ditches, culverts, vaults and other underground situations necessary to access electric lines
• Installs and maintains company owned customers outdoor lighting equipment
• Investigates outages
• Performs preventative maintenance system checks
• Ensures the safety of co-workers and the general public
• Performs switching on circuits to de-energize for Clearances and Hold Orders
• Participates in regular job briefings and safety meetings
• Performs other duties as assigned

Apprentice Lineman perform the work as a Journeyman Lineman under close supervision by another Journeyman Lineman based on their levels of completion of a four-year apprenticeship in the Alaska Joint Electrical Apprenticeship and Training Trust (AJEATT) or equivalent apprenticeship training program.

Requirements

• High School diploma or GED
• Journeyman Lineman certification or license
• Certificate of Fitness as a Journeyman Lineman issued by the State of Alaska (prior to starting work)
• Current or ability to obtain a current certificate of completion of a Pole Top and Bucket Truck Rescue test, upon hire, and annually thereafter per OSHA 1910.269
• Maintenance of Alaska Certificate of Fitness every 2 years as required by the Alaska Department of Labor and Workforce Development
• Commercial drivers license issued by the State of Alaska (or ability to obtain within 90 days after hire)
• Emergency first aid and CPR certification
• Random drug and alcohol screening as required for safety and regulatory compliance
• On-call availability and ability to report to work during emergencies, including any hours during a 24-hour period

Skills

• Principles, practices, methods, equipment and tools used in electric transmission and distribution systems and substations
• Federal and state safety law and regulations, guidelines, and required equipment
• Wiring diagrams and electric and building codes
• Occupational hazards and safety precautions and rules for electric distribution and transmission operation and maintenance
• Switching procedures during power outages and emergencies
• Basic First Aid and CPR
• Operating a personal computer using standard Microsoft software applications such as Excel, Word, Outlook, and any other customized software
• Working on energized and de-energized high- and medium-voltage electrical lines
• Operating diggers, aerial lifts, bucket truck, backhoes, tensioners, pullers, cranes, and other heavy equipment
• Using hand tools to connect wires to terminals and to attach various kinds of hardware to cable and to perform tree trimming
• Reading and interpreting designs and specifications related to electric distribution and transmission and substations
• Climbing ladders, utility poles, lift trucks, and other overhead pieces of equipment necessary to access electric lines
• Working in ditches, culverts, vaults, and other underground, and sometimes tight, spaces and situations necessary to access electric lines
• Communicating well with others, both orally and in writing, using both technical and non-technical language
• Understanding and following oral and written policies, procedures and instructions
• Preparing and presenting accurate and reliable reports containing findings and recommendations
• Using logical and creative thought processes to develop solutions according to written specifications and oral instructions
• Performing a wide variety of duties and responsibilities with accuracy and speed under the pressure of time-sensitive deadlines
• Quickly learning and putting to use new skills and knowledge
• Multi-tasking with strong attention to detail

Working Conditions

• Works in the field outside, often in inclement weather with related hazards
• Field work exposes employee to high voltage electrical lines and other environmental factors such as high winds, heavy precipitation, freezing rain and snow, loud noises, vibrations of hand-held equipment, and confined spaces
• When rendering aid to others, employee may be exposed to blood and body fluids

Physical Requirements

• Lifting, bending, pushing, and pulling up to 50 pounds with or without assistance of proper equipment
• Bending and stooping into ditches, culverts, confined spaces, and other similar work situations
• Operating various equipment, tools, vehicles, and boats required to ensure a fully maintained and safe utility operations
• Able to climb and assist using pole top and bucket truck rescue training and technique to ensure safety of co-workers
• Walking up to, and exceeding at times, 3 miles during a work shift through rough and uneven terrain and often inclement weather
• Operating office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination using a computer and keyboard or equipment and tools on a daily basis
• Sufficient clarity of speech and hearing or other communication capabilities which permits the employee to communicate well with other employees and the general public
• Sufficient vision to safely operate equipment and tools to support high power electric repairs, to read electric utility prints and documents, drive a vehicle and other equipment, and operate a personal computer
• Sufficient manual dexterity which permits the employee to work with hand tools and energized wire with rubber gloves and other tools
• Sufficient personal mobility and physical reflexes which permits the employee to lift, bend, push, and pull, kneel, crouch, balance, stoop, reach, climb up and down stairs, ladders, or walk on steep inclines and to walk and carry equipment